Darius J. Ross

Darius J. Ross - Reflections of Life

(Sunrise – August 9, 1957   …  Sunset – December 24, 2021)

Chief Darius Jose “Two Bears” Ross (a.k.a. Tali Yona Quosa Ukuwiyuhi)

was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on August 9, 1957 to the late Carlos J. Ross and late Mary L. (Vaughn-Ross) Lee.  He crossed over to the Spirit World peacefully at home in Elizabeth, NJ from end stage kidney cancer and kidney failure on December 24, 2021.

Chief Ross began studying Martial Arts in 1967 (Academia de HungGa U.S.A.) and taught it for 42+ years. He was the Founder of the Sil-Lum Black Tiger HungGa-Kuen GungFu-WuShu Kwoon School (Southern Chinese Martial Arts). He practiced Qi Gong Physical Therapy for Healing Arts after receiving a UN Higher Learning Chinese Medicine Certification. He’s recognized in the International Who’s Who Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Oct. 2017) for his demonstrated skills in Martial Arts Style(s) and Belt Ranks for Combat Kai Ninjutsu, 6th Degree Black Belt, Black Tiger HungGa Kuen, Black Sash 4th Duan, Judo, and Jiiu-Jitsu. He was the New Jersey Representative for Combat Kai Ninjutsu.

Chief Ross earned an Associate Degree in Graphics from PIMA Community College located in Tucson, AZ.  He was the former director of the Graphic Arts Department of Alpharetta in Tucson, AZ prior to leaving due to illness in 2000. He received an honorable medical discharge from the United States Navy in his early 20’s. He was the Owner of Indigenous Designs: Handmade Indigenous Jewelry creations and custom designs. He also worked at Organizacion Internacional De Ninjutsu Tong Amida Ryu and We Live Native.

Chief Ross has been the Principal Chief of the Ani-Tsalagi Onaselagi Northeastern Band of Cherokee-Lenape Indians since his return to the New Jersey area in 2000. His Native American nationality is recognized by the International Wushu Sanda Federation (2013), the Pan-American Indian Association (2002), and The Ross Family has certified membership in the Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc. (2001). 

Chief Ross is survived by his immediate loving family who all reside in Tucson, Arizona… daughters Maria Gallegos (son-in-law George), Raven Contreras, Amber Ross, and son Darius Ross II. He was also blessed to have known thirteen grandchildren: Jorge, Mia, Isabella, Antonio, Yesenia, Liliana, Jaydon, Regan, Sofia, Alanna, David, Esmeralda and Enrique (deceased) that he loved dearly.

He is also survived by his sisters Corinda Ross, Rosita Fletcher, Teresa Mustafa and Consuelo Williams, nephews Owen, Jonathan, Jarret and nieces Branice, Ora, Ariana, as well as a host of first and second cousins and great-nephews/nieces and other family members to cherish his memory.

Darius was loved and adored by many. He loved his family, his friends, his students and all he came in contact with both in person and through his social media presence. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another like him.  Chief Ross leaves a loving family and dear friends to cherish his memory.

A private celebration of his life will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 11:00am at the Nesbitt Funeral Home,165 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ. You may join the service on Zoom Meeting ID: 820 0962 2060 Passcode: 314216.  Face Masks are Mandatory. A walk-through visitation will be held from 10:00am until time of service.

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